Edina, MN: A class-wide settlement filed this week by the consumer plaintiffs in the Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” Marketing, Sales Practices, and Productions Liability Litigation will provide owners and lessees of Volkswagen and Audi 2.0-liter diesel vehicles substantial compensation through buybacks and lease terminations, government-approved emissions modifications, and cash payments, while fixing or removing these polluting vehicles from the road.

The litigation involving Volkswagen and Audi 3.0 liter vehicles is continuing and not part of this settlement. Consumer plaintiffs’ claims against Bosch, LLC, the manufacturer of the defeat device that allowed Volkswagen to falsely pass emission tests, is also on-going.

Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC played and continues to play a vital role in this litigation. Attorney Rick Hagstrom serves as co-counsel to the Plaintiffs Steering Committee. In addition, Hellmuth & Johnson attorneys were active in the investigation and review of documents for evidence supporting consumer plaintiffs’ claims. Such work revealed evidence used to argue that Volkswagen had an understanding and knowledge of the defeat device used to cheat on emissions tests sooner than what was publically acknowledged.

The proposed consumer settlement was filed in California as part of the multidistrict litigation. If approved by the Court, this will be the largest consumer auto industry class action settlement in U.S. history. Under the class action settlement agreement, Volkswagen will create a funding pool of up to $10.033 billion dollars for the class. The settlement will provide consumers the choice of:

A buyback or lease termination on approximately 475,000 2.0-liter diesel vehicles.

If approved by the EPA and California Air Resources Board (or CARB), an emissions.

Whether they choose a Buyback or an approved emissions modification, the settlement also offers class members with cash compensation. This is in addition to the vehicle’s Buyback value (NADA) or approved modification. These cash payments are only available to 2.0 liter vehicle owners and lessees who participate in the class action settlement.

Under companion settlements with EPA and CARB, which are incorporated in the class action settlement agreement, Volkswagen will pay an additional $2.7 billion into a mitigation trust to fund environmental remediation and commit another $2.0 billion to promote Zero Emissions Vehicle technology. Volkswagen will also be required to pay additional money into a mitigation trust if it fails to remove from commerce or modify at least 85 percent of covered 2.0 liter vehicles by June 30, 2019. Volkswagen has also reached companion agreements with the Federal Trade Commission as well as over 40 State Attorneys General.

Individuals who own or lease Volkswagen 2.0 liter diesel vehicles can visit www.WVCourtSettlement to learn if they have an eligible vehicle. If the settlement is granted preliminary approval, this site will then include a secure settlement look-up tool where consumers can enter their vehicle’s VIN number to learn their compensation amount. When, and if, the Court grants final approval, the claims process will be open to eligible Volkswagen and Audi 2.0 liter owners and lessees without delays on appeal.